WAFCON
WAFCON 2024: Ghana, Algeria Set for High-Stakes Quarterfinal Clash in Berkane
By KUNLE SOLAJA.
An evenly poised quarterfinal showdown awaits in Berkane this Saturday as Ghana and Algeria clash for a place in the semifinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT) in what promises to be a gripping North vs West Africa duel.
The encounter marks the fourth WAFCON meeting between the two sides, with Ghana holding a slight historical edge—winning twice to Algeria’s single victory.
Notably, all three previous meetings produced a winner, with each decided by a single-goal margin.
Their first encounter came at the 2010 group stage, where Ghana came from behind to beat Algeria 2-1, thanks to a second-half brace by Agnes Aduako after Isma Ouadah’s early opener.
Algeria got their revenge in 2014, winning 1-0 with a late goal from Houria Affak. In their most recent WAFCON clash in 2018, Ghana triumphed 1-0 via a 13th-minute strike from Gladys Amfobea.
Despite those past meetings, none of the teams progressed beyond the group stage in those respective years.
This quarterfinal marks a new milestone—especially for Algeria, who are reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their six WAFCON appearances.
The Algerian team has broken new ground in Morocco. They finished the group stage unbeaten, not conceding a single goal across three matches—a defensive record matched only by Nigeria.
Their run of 276 minutes without conceding is the longest active streak in the tournament, with their last goal allowed dating back to a 3-2 loss to Mali in 2018.
However, their offensive output has been less impressive. Algeria scored just one goal in the group stage—the lowest among all quarterfinalists and their lowest tally in any WAFCON group stage with three games played.
Still, Algeria’s disciplined defending and tactical organisation have kept them in contention.
They notably held defending champions Nigeria to a goalless draw in their final group game, avoiding defeat to the Super Falcons for the first time. Standout performer Wassila Alouache won eight duels in that match—the highest by any Algerian player at the tournament so far.
For Ghana, this match is both a test of resilience and an opportunity to return to familiar heights. The Black Queens struggled early in the group stage, failing to win their first two matches, but roared back with a dominant 4-1 victory over Tanzania to seal their quarterfinal place.
This is Ghana’s first appearance in a WAFCON quarterfinal due to the new tournament format. In their previous six knockouts, they advanced directly to the semifinals. With a win, Ghana would reach their seventh semifinal—adding to an already storied WAFCON history.
Their record in knockout matches reads three wins and three losses, with all three victories secured in regulation time. Ghana’s only WAFCON penalty shootout appearance came in 2004 when they defeated Ethiopia 6-5 after a goalless third-place playoff.
However, one area of concern for Ghana will be their defensive record. They are the only quarterfinalists yet to keep a clean sheet at WAFCON 2024 and have conceded in each of their last five WAFCON games. Their last shutout came in their 2018 win—ironically—against Algeria.
Saturday’s match offers contrasting narratives: Algeria, a defensive revelation looking to make history as only the second North African team to reach a WAFCON semifinal; and Ghana, a traditional powerhouse hoping to rediscover its former glory.
With Morocco already in the semifinals, a victory for Algeria would also mark the first time two North African teams reach that stage in the same WAFCON edition. But Ghana will be keen to halt that momentum and keep their title hopes alive. The stage is set for a thrilling clash.
Past WAFCON Meetings of Ghana and Algeria:
2 November 2010 – Group B: Algeria 1 (Ouadah 4′) Ghana 2 (Aduako 62′, 73′) – Sinaba Stadium, South Africa
12 October 2014 – Group B: Algeria 1 (Affak 87’) Ghana 0 – Independence Stadium, Namibia
17 November 2018 – Group A: Ghana 1 (Amfobea 13′) Algeria 0 – Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana
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By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
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The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
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Reigning African champions Nigeria produced a commanding response, defeating Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday in the second of their pre-WAFCON international friendlies in Yaounde.
Three days after suffering a narrow 1–0 loss at the Military Stadium, the Super Falcons returned to the same venue. They delivered a far more assured performance, underlining their pedigree as perennial continental powerhouses.
Head Coach Justin Madugu rang the changes, making seven alterations to the starting line-up that featured in Saturday’s defeat. However, it was Cameroon who struck first again, netting in the seventh minute to momentarily raise concerns of a repeat setback.
Nigeria responded with composure and growing authority.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising above her marker to power home a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser settled the Falcons, who began to dictate tempo and press with greater coordination.
Just before the break, the comeback was completed. After a scramble inside the Cameroonian box, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, turning provider into scorer to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead at halftime.
Madugu’s reshaped midfield proved decisive, pressing higher up the pitch, shutting down central channels and forcing the Lionesses into speculative long balls.
The Falcons extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, influential down the right flank, delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Michelle Alozie attacked the ball with conviction, launching into a flying header that made it 3–1 and effectively sealed the contest.
Both sides treated the two-match series as crucial preparation for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only avenged Saturday’s defeat but also reaffirmed their status as Africa’s benchmark in women’s football heading into the continental showpiece.
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